The Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived. While not everyone is equally thrilled about the one truly must-have launch title, Mario Kart World, the console is selling like crazy. Still, there are plenty of issues that, in my opinion, make this one of the worst Nintendo console launches ever. Here’s why.
A surprisingly steep price
The Nintendo Switch 2 is expensive. In fact, it’s unusually expensive for a Nintendo console. While past systems usually launched at around 250 to 300 euros or dollars, this one breaks the barrier at over 400. That’s wild. Sure, the new Xbox and PlayStation models are priced similarly, but Nintendo has always done its own thing, right? Apparently not this time. I don’t think this is a smart move, because not everyone in Nintendo’s core audience can afford it. I wouldn’t be surprised if sales start off slower than expected, just like with the 3DS. Maybe we’ll even see a price drop before the holidays. Time will tell.
Barely any launch titles or exclusives
Where are the new games? Yes, Mario Kart World is the headliner, but what else can you play on launch day that you can’t already play elsewhere? Almost nothing. There’s a new Lost in Blue title, which could be interesting, and the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Cyberpunk is apparently pretty great. But let’s be honest, that game is several years old and already dirt cheap on other platforms. Apart from Mario Kart World, there’s not much worth getting excited about. And what about the next few months? Only the new Donkey Kong Bananza looks interesting enough to purchase. Thank goodness for backwards compatibility.
The slow death of physical media
Physical games are slowly disappearing, and I didn’t expect Nintendo to embrace this shift so quickly. As a collector, I still like owning physical copies; not just for the shelf appeal, but also because I might want to resell them later. Nintendo now distributes physical games in two ways. Some come on actual cartridges, while others include a cartridge that simply acts as a download key. The second option is cheaper for publishers, so they’re bound to favor it. That means less cost for them and more risk for us. If the servers go down or licenses expire, your download might become unavailable. Not cool. It’s a troubling trend, especially for those of us who collect and preserve games.
Even the games are more expensive
Nintendo Switch games used to cost around 40 to 60 euros or dollars. Switch 2 games now start at 70 and can go as high as 80. Seriously? Game prices have been relatively stable for decades, and now we’re suddenly paying a premium. I get that development costs have increased, but this is a big leap at a tough time financially for many people. Are these games really offering enough in return? I didn’t expect this kind of move from Nintendo.
Not much of an upgrade
Aside from a power boost, the Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t feel all that different from its predecessor. It’s more like a ‘Pro’ version than a truly next-gen console. Sure, there are small improvements, like Joy-Cons that can be used as pointers and a much sharper screen. But are those really the features Nintendo fans were asking for? I remember the last time Nintendo tried to compete directly with the tech giants, and that didn’t turn out well. Anyone remember the Wii U?
Where is the pack-in title?
Why doesn’t the Nintendo Switch 2 come with a free game? The Welcome Tour would have been perfect as a pack-in. It helps users explore the console, though in a somewhat dull way. But charging for it separately? That’s a terrible decision and makes the overall console package feel less valuable. Think back to Tetris, Wii Sports, Nintendoland, or Super Mario World, those titles helped sell the console. The Welcome Tour is too thin to stand on its own and frankly feels like a rip-off if you have to pay for it. A real missed opportunity.
Strong competition on all sides
The Nintendo Switch 2 doesn’t have a direct competitor as a hybrid system, except maybe the original Switch or Sony’s PlayStation Portal. There are rumors that Microsoft is working on its own handheld, and then there’s the Steam Deck and similar handheld PCs. Those are worth taking seriously, especially because the Steam Deck costs about the same. And let’s face it; the Steam Deck is simply a more versatile device. It can run almost any game, old or new, legally or otherwise. In that sense, the Switch 2 just can’t compete. If you’re going to drop this kind of money on a handheld, the Steam Deck might be a better investment.
Will the Nintendo Switch 2 be a success?
Yes, there’s a lot of criticism in this piece, but I see it as realism. Nintendo has made some choices that probably won’t play out well for gamers, and that’s a shame. All these factors together make me hesitant to jump in. Though if I’m being completely honest, I’ll probably still buy the Nintendo Switch 2 someday. Because in the end, there’s only one place to play Nintendo’s newest games. And I’m not about to miss out on those.
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